Sitting on the wall!

External Affairs have become crucial for all countries; the world often looks like a large, borderless world, where economic and military challenges threaten the security of nations, particularly the developing ones like India.

India was left-leaning and Soviet loving during the Nehru era, the non-aligned experiment fizzling out as a no-go in a duo polar world. The fall of the Soviet Union did hurt India but was also a blessing in disguise, propelling India’s growth via self-reliance. India has been trying to position itself sometimes for the U.S.-led West and sometimes the Putin’s Russia. The only thing that seems certain is India’s distancing firmly from China and Pakistan.

Despite the Atma Nirbhar ‘Make in India’ wishes, India heavily relies on its defence purchases from Russia, S-400 missiles, Rafale fighters from France etc. The indigenous building of our aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is a milestone, as is the rolling out of Prachand, India’s Light Combat Helicopters, earlier this week. However, the developments in our defence manufacturing capabilities seemingly are not liked by the U.S. and its allies.

India is struggling to take a stand in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It has not criticized Putin in the global forums, restraining itself to stating the need for talks between the warring nations. Such dilly-dallying had its fallout with the U.S. deciding to give cash-strapped Pakistan $450 Million for revamping their F16 fleet. A soon-to-retire Pak army CDOS, Gen Bajwa, is a state guest in the U.S. and is being honoured with meeting many above his level of protocol.

For those who criticize the U.S. as acting immature and against India’s interest in cosying up to Pakistan, the strategic location of Pakistan, nestled between Afghanistan and China, must not be forgotten. Presently, China is the important country on the watch for the U.S. Pakistan might have to take a call in choosing between the U.S. and China in the foreseeable future.

India cannot expect other nations having their geopolitical interest in South Asia to respect India’s concerns while dealing with Pakistan. We have not moved that high to influence the West despite our strides. On the contrary, a mere visit to Russia by then-Pak PM Imran cost him his chair, which is well known.

We have a former bureaucrat and diplomat as our EAM. He minces no words and echoes the strength of a resurgent India. While abstaining from almost a dozen votes against Russia, India is increasingly being seen as back to the Russian fold. Russia can be a more loyal friend to India than the U.S. and the self-centered West. However, one must remember that our survival and growth heavily depend on the West, not Russia.

Our relations with Russia cannot for long suffer from our sitting-on-the-wall syndrome. India must not waver and dare to speak firmly against and help end the war.

Sampath Kumar

Intrépide Voix